HOT - Dell Vostro 470: i5 3450 + 1TB HDD + 8GB RAM + Gigabit + Wireless N = $609

[bowmah]

I have been buying Vostros since they first came on to the market and know historical prices well. There is simply no way to get a PC for this price (Vostro or not) with these specs so I think this is a decent deal worthy of its own thread. You do need to stitch 2 Dell deals to make this work.

Vostro 470 Desktop w/Core i5-3450, 4GB RAM, 500GB HD, Windows 7, Intel HD Graphics 2500, DVDRW, Wireless B/G/N, Media Card Reader - $489.00 (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=CAqD7bLWUPI&subid=0&offerid=250536.1&type=10&tmpid=1534&u1=deals&RD_PARM0=http%253A%252F%252Fconfigure.dell.com%252 Fdellstore%252Fconfig.aspx%253Foc%253DDT_V470_AFF2 _E%2526c%253Dca%2526l%253Den%2526s%253Dbsd%2526cs% 253Dcabsdt1%2526dgc%253DAF%2526cid%253D27563%2526l id%253D4382881&u1=deals&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fconfigure.dell.com%252 Fdellstore%252Fconfig.aspx%253Foc%253DDT_V470_AFF2 _E%2526c%253Dca%2526l%253Den%2526s%253Dbsd%2526cs% 253Dcabsdt1%2526dgc%253DAF%2526cid%253D27563%2526l id%253D4382881)

Then use: Save an additional $100 off any laptop / desktop when you spend a minimum of $699. Use coupon code GHP8SWXNWF399Z

Upgrades:
HDD: from 500 GB to 1TB
RAM: from 4GB to 8GB
Total: $609 after upgrades and $100 coupon (before tax).

For those contemplating a decent machine (not meant for serious gaming), this is probably the lowest priced Vostro 400 series I have seen with similar specs in about a year (or ever). The 460 went on sale last year when Dell was phasing out the i7 2700 CPU and that unit with similar specs went for about $600-$680 if memory serves and that was only possible because of stitching 2 deals together too. This is not a 2700 but 3450 is powerful enough for most business use and light video or photo post processing.

I am opting to try the on-board video (Intel HD Graphics 2500) to run a dual monitor setup using DVI + HDMI. If this is not sufficient for my needs, it's easy and relatively low cost to add a mid level graphics card to the Vostro 470.

Not sure if this is important but this unit also comes with a 19 in one media reader.

Credits goes to the original threads from @AndrewRFD and @eladmk. Had to put these 2 together to get the $609 deal.

Vostro $489 Deal (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/dell-rfd-exclusives-vostro-15-laptop-i5-3210m-569-desktop-i5-3450-489-more-1204656/)

$100 off Coupon for over $699 (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/dell-small-business-new-set-coupons-10-off-elect-100-off-699-200-off-1299-a-1204942/)

[mic2074]

not really that hot, for $120 - you can get 1tb HD for $80, and not sure what the price is now for RAM, but I've bought 4gb for $40 within the last two years. So if you upgrade yourself - you have an incremental 1tb, instead of only 500gb.

[nellium]

not really that hot, for $120 - you can get 1tb HD for $80, and not sure what the price is now for RAM, but I've bought 4gb for $40 within the last two years. So if you upgrade yourself - you have an incremental 1tb, instead of only 500gb.

well, chances are it has 2 dimm slots, so you would be replacing the entire lot. Purchasing 2x4GB or 2x8GB, no biggie, 2x4 is fairly cheap

Upon further inspection, it appears there are 4 dimm slots, upgrading will be even cheaper on your own.

It's good to see dell getting away from BTX, that was a real pain when trying to upgrade the graphics card.

[LazyCanuck]

The $100 coupon doesn't quite negate Dell's inflated RAM & HDD upgrade costs for the base system. As per post #2, if you stick with the $489 Vostro, which comes with a 500GB HDD & 2x2GB RAM, you can shop around with that $120 budget for additional components. Maybe even get a small SSD in lieu of a second mechanical drive.

Though, if you rather not buy and install the components yourself, then $609 isn't that bad.

[Busybuyer888]

Getting the 1TB hard disk from Dell also means it is covered by Dell support and the OS will be pre-installed on the 1TB drive.

For $120, it is a worthwhile upgrade for those whom like the to unpack the computer and just plug it in. (One of the reasons to buy a Dell vs. custom build.)

[canadiankorean]

If they had the option of upgrading the CPU to a Core i7, I'd be all over this.

I'd rather add or upgrade the hdd on my own ($100 for an additional 500GB upgrade? no way).

[civisant]

A monitor can be added to bump the price above $699.
add P2312H for $220 and apply the $100 coupon.

[Bedboi]

If they had the option of upgrading the CPU to a Core i7, I'd be all over this.

I'd rather add or upgrade the hdd on my own ($100 for an additional 500GB upgrade? no way).
this is what i was looking to do lastnight but couldnt find it so i passed.

upgrading to an i7 with the coupon would be around $600, now thats HOT!

[bowmah]

We all know Dell hardware upgrades are pricey but those who think you can get a 1TB HDD for $100 and then get your own 8 GB RAM for $30-$50, be cautioned. Some low end, low cost RAM may not be compatible with Vostros. After you purchase a 1TB drive and extra ram, you may be paying close to or even more than the $609 from the Dell upgrades and using the $100 coupon. Then you have to take the whole rig apart in your mom's basement then clone the new HDD and hope your newly purchased RAM is compatible. It's a lot of work for little to no cost savings. Believe me, been there done that.

For those who want a decent PC for business or even home entertainment, I still think this is a hot deal. Unless someone can show me where you can get a core i5 3450 + 8 GB RAM + 1TB HDD + Windows 7 OS + Wireless N + a decent quiet case for using extended periods of time, I am leaving this thread as HOT.

As for the user who suggested using the monitor to trigger the $100 coupon, that is a no go. It actually defeats the purpose as you now will need to spend another $150 to upgrade the PC or you end up with 4GB RAM and 500 GB HDD. Might as well just get the $489 deal.

I know users who build their own PC will never agree to buying a Branded PC but like I said, unless someone can show me the same spec'ed PC for $609, this is a HOT deal for a business or the average user.

One of the biggest benefit of buying a Vostro is when you call Dell support, you go straight to tier 2 located in the US. They actually believe your problem and send you parts overnight with little to no hassle. For business use, this is pretty major.

[EPcjay]

We all know Dell hardware upgrades are pricey but those who think you can get a 1TB HDD for $100 and then get your own 8 GB RAM for $30-$50, be cautioned. Some low end, low cost RAM may not be compatible with Vostros. After you purchase a 1TB drive and extra ram, you may be paying close to or even more than the $609 from the Dell upgrades and using the $100 coupon. Then you have to take the whole rig apart in your mom's basement then clone the new HDD and hope your newly purchased RAM is compatible. It's a lot of work for little to no cost savings. Believe me, been there done that.

For those who want a decent PC for business or even home entertainment, I still think this is a hot deal. Unless someone can show me where you can get a core i5 3450 + 8 GB RAM + 1TB HDD + Windows 7 OS + Wireless N + a decent quiet case for using extended periods of time, I am leaving this thread as HOT.

As for the user who suggested using the monitor to trigger the $100 coupon, that is a no go. It actually defeats the purpose as you now will need to spend another $150 to upgrade the PC or you end up with 4GB RAM and 500 GB HDD. Might as well just get the $489 deal.

I know users who build their own PC will never agree to buying a Branded PC but like I said, unless someone can show me the same spec'ed PC for $609, this is a HOT deal for a business or the average user.

One of the biggest benefit of buying a Vostro is when you call Dell support, you go straight to tier 2 located in the US. They actually believe your problem and send you parts overnight with little to no hassle. For business use, this is pretty major.

I've never had any issues with dimentions, latitudes or vostros on ram upgrades. Even the higher end brands of RAM, they are not much more expensive. Dell cases are made so easy for the user to replace parts/add parts. Flip one switch and the cover and hard drive come out. You could always keep the 500gb as the OS drive and the 1GB as storage. At the very least you have two hard drives vs 1 and also a total of 12GB vs 8GB of memory. Sure it may be a hassle to some, but definately not worth the "support" to me.

[bowmah]

I've never had any issues with dimentions, latitudes or vostros on ram upgrades. Even the higher end brands of RAM, they are not much more expensive. Dell cases are made so easy for the user to replace parts/add parts. Flip one switch and the cover and hard drive come out. You could always keep the 500gb as the OS drive and the 1GB as storage. At the very least you have two hard drives vs 1 and also a total of 12GB vs 8GB of memory. Sure it may be a hassle to some, but definately not worth the "support" to me.

It's alright. You are not the demographics Dell is targeting with this offer. In my experience, a 1TB HDD will last longer than a 500GB HDD. I don't mean uptime, from experience, most users with a 500 GB HDD will look for a HDD upgrade sooner than one with a 1TB HDD. I would rather end up with 1TB x 2 for longevity of machine. Less hassles in the long run.

To me, 12 GB of RAM is better than 8GB but from my own experience with MANY Vostros, not all RAM is compatible even though you can install it on the MB.

Like I said, if you do not find this offer attractive, then you are NOT the person Dell is trying to target here.

[canadiankorean]

You don't need to replace the 500GB hdd. just add another 2TB for $80. Instead of 'upgrading' 500GB more for $100.

RAM - even name brand memory is cheap.
No name, low cost aren't that much cheaper.

I've upgraded my wife's Vostro with a regular brand RAM with no issues whatsoever.'

The real deal would be if we could upgrade to a Core i7

[bowmah]

You don't need to replace the 500GB hdd. just add another 2TB for $80. Instead of 'upgrading' 500GB more for $100.

RAM - even name brand memory is cheap.
No name, low cost aren't that much cheaper.

I've upgraded my wife's Vostro with a regular brand RAM with no issues whatsoever.'

The real deal would be if we could upgrade to a Core i7

Please read entire thread. To get the $100 coupon, you need to trigger it with $699 or more.

[nyik]

Hmm, looks like there's still issues with the 470 when there was a sale earlier on in May, 2012.
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/elect-dell-470-i5-3450-ivy-bridge-494-a-1171631/6/

[bowmah]

Hmm, looks like there's still issues with the 470 when there was a sale earlier on in May, 2012.
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/elect-dell-470-i5-3450-ivy-bridge-494-a-1171631/6/

Thanks for the heads up. I just read the issues and the main concerns are some users reported not getting a 19 in 1 media reader and some users complained of not getting the larger power supply (350W instead of 460W) and some users wanted the Intel HD 4000 on-board graphics.

First of all, the on board graphics is part of the 3450 CPU right? Then it will only be the 2500, not the 4000.

I also read somewhere that this configuration will only have the 350W power supply, not the 460W one. In fact, I don't remember seeing anywhere on this offer that there is a 460W power supply.

As for the media reader, make sure you get it when the unit arrives.

[canadiankorean]

Please read entire thread. To get the $100 coupon, you need to trigger it with $699 or more.

OP, why do you defend this so much?
I know the coupon is for $699 +
But why pay an inflated price, only to bring the price down to normal levels?

What I'm saying is, it'd be a HOT deal if they had a core i7 upgrade that takes it over the $699 mark. or even adding a mouse to take it over the threshold.

Otherwise this deal isn't really HOT.

[nyik]

+ some folks got BSOD

[bowmah]

OP, why do you defend this so much?
I know the coupon is for $699 +
But why pay an inflated price, only to bring the price down to normal levels?

What I'm saying is, it'd be a HOT deal if they had a core i7 upgrade that takes it over the $699 mark. or even adding a mouse to take it over the threshold.

Otherwise this deal isn't really HOT.

As has been covered, if you do not inflate the price, you cannot trigger then $100 coupon. Let's hope you are not trying to use a mouse to bring a $489 system to $699. That mouse better be able wash dishes and make breakfast lol

If this was an i7 deal, it would be scorching. But I have not seen any good i7 Vostros in quite a long time. They did blow out the 2700 last year at around the $650 mark. Based on the last 18 months of Vostro 400 series prices, this is a HOT deal.

[EPcjay]

It's alright. You are not the demographics Dell is targeting with this offer. In my experience, a 1TB HDD will last longer than a 500GB HDD. I don't mean uptime, from experience, most users with a 500 GB HDD will look for a HDD upgrade sooner than one with a 1TB HDD. I would rather end up with 1TB x 2 for longevity of machine. Less hassles in the long run.

To me, 12 GB of RAM is better than 8GB but from my own experience with MANY Vostros, not all RAM is compatible even though you can install it on the MB.

Like I said, if you do not find this offer attractive, then you are NOT the person Dell is trying to target here.


Generally, I would not defend a custom system build vs a dell, just cause building a brand new, putting all the stuff together, installing OS, tweaking the system and lack of suppot would definately be a good argument, but in this case RAM and hard drive is no harder than picking up the right fuse and installing it in your car. To add memory and hard drive on dell just to trigger the 100$ is not hot at all.

If 1tb isn't enough, then add 2tb? You a lot open to more options in the market than what dell is providing. Can't even add a 2nd drive. Only option is to upgrade.

It doesn't void warranty either doing it yourself for those who are scared. Dell even provides the insturctions on how to do it. Page 9 for memory, page 15 for hard drive.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos470/en/OM/om_en.pdf

[nyik]

I used the 3 yr basic warranty to trigger the $100. I'm going pick up my own RAM to push it to 8GB, and add a 1TB drive later.

[bowmah]

Generally, I would not defend a custom system build vs a dell, just cause building a brand new, putting all the stuff together, installing OS, tweaking the system and lack of suppot would definately be a good argument, but in this case RAM and hard drive is no harder than picking up the right fuse and installing it in your car. To add memory and hard drive on dell just to trigger the 100$ is not hot at all.

If 1tb isn't enough, then add 2tb? You a lot open to more options in the market than what dell is providing. Can't even add a 2nd drive. Only option is to upgrade.

I agree. But in this specific case, the only way to get 1Tb and 8GB RAM is to trigger the $699. Yes, you can have a 500GB more HDD if you buy your own 1TB and then clone it over. There is a hidden partition with all your OS reload etc, so it would be waste not to keep this.

I would suggest to anyone who is serious about buying a PC to forget the high prices for upgrade from Dell. Trigger the $699, use the coupon, and then compare similar PC's on the market for $609. Pretty sure you won't find one anywhere easily for this price with these specs.

[bowmah]

I used the 3 yr basic warranty to trigger the $100. I'm going pick up my own RAM to push it to 8GB, and add a 1TB drive later.

Nice.

[Dave25]

I read in one review that the fan is very noisy on this machine. Anybody that has it can comment on the noise level?

[nyik]

I read in one review that the fan is very noisy on this machine. Anybody that has it can comment on the noise level?

You could always swap out the case fan, processor fan, or psu later.

[bowmah]

@Dave25, thanks for the heads up. Let's hope the noisey fan is a non-issue. Vostro 400 series have been very quiet for many generations now. From my own experiences, I think the noisiest part of the Vostro line is the fan on the low end graphics cards. Let's hope Dell does not mess things up after many gens of the 400 series and made a noisier unit.

[BobyYoo]

how about upgrading the graphic card to gt620 instead of upgrading the ram or hd ??

[bowmah]

how about upgrading the graphic card to gt620 instead of upgrading the ram or hd ??

It's your choice. My reasoning for upgrading RAM and HDD over GPU was that the on-board HD 2500 does ok for most work applications. Won't be gaming with this machine so will try this first. To me, RAM is easy to upgrade and so is GPU. Most difficult is HDD as you have to clone things over to the new drive if you want to keep the hidden Dell partition where you can re-load the OS if things break.

[jeffx]

If you're planning on using Linux, get the NVIDIA, not the Intel HD.

[nyik]

I did that as well. Although solely upgrading the gpu doesn't trigger the $100. Upgrading the gpu costs only $25, which is semi-on-par with an entry level graphics card.

[bowmah]

I did that as well. Although solely upgrading the gpu doesn't trigger the $100. Upgrading the gpu costs only $25, which is semi-on-par with an entry level graphics card.

GPU upgrade is $50 no?

[nyik]

I know there's be debate regarding whether the 470 is a good vs hot vs cold deal.

Here's my itemized invoice:

1 225-2770 Vos V470 CTO Desktop $642.60
1 313-8482 No speakers Vos $0.00
1 317-9368 4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1600MHz Vos $0.00
1 318-1092 No Modem Option $0.00
1 318-1881 16X DVD+/-RW $0.00
1 319-0386 3rd generation Intel Core i5-3450 Vos $0.00
1 320-3154 NVIDIA GeForce GT 620 1GB DDR3 Vos $0.00
1 320-7116 NO MONITOR ,Vostro $0.00
1 330-1718 125V POWER CORD, US $0.00
1 331-1685 Dell Optical USB Mouse Vos $0.00
1 331-2213 DOCUMENTATION,ENGLISH,VOSTRO $0.00
1 331-6199 MOD,SHP MTL,SYSM,MNTW,VOS,DAO $0.00
1 331-6200 SHIP,VOSD,L10,FXCN,470,DAO $0.00
1 331-6202 Dell USB Entry KB - KB21,ENG Vos $0.00
1 331-6207 Dell Resource DVD, 470 Vos $0.00
1 331-6368 PFC Chassis,470 Vos $0.00
1 331-7452 Dell, SCR,M2X3,KSH,MDC,ESRS, Vos $0.00
1 342-2415 Dell 19-in-1 Media Card Reader Vos $0.00
1 342-4248 500GB-7200RPM,SATA 3.0Gb/s,16MB Cache Vos $0.00
1 410-0553 ADOBE ACROBAT READER X $0.00
1 410-2494 MS OFFICE STARTER 2010,VOSTRO $0.00
1 421-6007 Win 7 Professional 64 SP1,DT Eng Vos $0.00
1 421-6570 TRND,Ti 3.1,MUI,15 MTH,VOS $0.00
1 421-8376 Additional Software w/XP Vostro $0.00
1 421-8549 Dell SRV Software 1703 Vos $0.00
1 430-3246 Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet $0.00
1 430-4663 MOD,CRD,NTWK,DW1703,CNB,WW $0.00
1 430-4751 Integrated 7.1 with WAVE MAXXAudio 4 $0.00
1 983-4250 WARRANTY SPRT,VOSTRO DT,INIT $0.00
1 994-7573 HW WRTY + SVC,VOSDT1NBDM2,UNY,INIT,REL $0.00
1 994-7633 BASIC NBD OS,VOSDT1NBDM2,UNY,INIT,REL $0.00
1 982-9402 WARRANTY SPRT,VOSTRO DT,2YR EXT $0.00
1 994-7583 HW WRTY + SVC,VOSDT1NBDM2,UNY,EXT,REL $0.00
1 994-7653 BASIC NBD OS,VOSDT1NBDM2,UNY,2YR EXT,REL $0.00
1 007-1524 TOTAL INCLUDES SHIPPING AND HANDLING $0.00
1 421-4356 SW,DSO,2GB-FREE,2.0 $0.00
1 905-9909 DATASAFE BACKUP ACTIVATION,INFO,VOSTRO $0.00
1 928-7877 DSO,SVS,2.0,2GB,1YR,SYMT,VOSTRO $0.00
1 600-0042 ON $3.50 EHF DESKTOP COMPUTER $0.00
1 600-0046 ON $0.05 EHF ONTARIO MOUSE $0.00
1 600-0048 ON $0.05 EHF ONTARIO KEYBOARD $0.00

Here's the meat of the invoice to constitutes the bulk of the money of $642.60 (before tax):
3rd generation Intel Core i5-3450
Motherboard
NVIDIA GeForce GT 620 1GB DDR3
PFC Chassis
Win 7 Professional 64 SP1
500GB-7200RPM,SATA 3.0Gb/s,16MB Cache
4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1600MHz
16X DVD+/-RW
350W PSU
19-in-1 Media Card Reader

I did a quick retail price check @ ncix for the above:
3rd generation Intel Core i5-3450 $220
mATX Motherboard $99
NVIDIA GeForce GT 620 1GB DDR3 $90
PFC Chassis $50
Win 7 Professional 64 SP1 $155
500GB-7200RPM,SATA 3.0Gb/s,16MB Cache $80
4GB DDR3 SDRAM 1600MHz $50
16X DVD+/-RW $20
350W PSU $40
19-in-1 Media Card Reader $20
Total: $824 (before tax)

So it's roughly $740 vs $950 (tax incl.), savings of $200, which is equal to the instant discount + coupon.

For a pre-made computer, it's pretty good. As for the purpose, I was buying it for my wife's business, so premium parts were not needed. I also didn't want to spend time investigating and comparing each part as I usually do with custom builds (ie for myself).

With regards to the Dell brand itself, it's my first time venturing into owning a Dell, since I've always stayed away based on lots of overwhelming stories regarding consumer product quality and customer support leaving you SOL. However, most corporations these days uses the SMB line, and it looks like the general consensus is that the SMB side of Dell is much better than the consumer. So that's why I took the chance. And just in case things go belly-up, I used 3yr extended warranty to protect myself should anything go wrong within the next 3 yrs. I also took advantage of this to trigger the $100 coupon. So I think that's a win right there. I didn't care about upgrading the RAM or HDD as I could do that much cheaper than Dell's upgrade price.

tl;dr roughly $740 vs $950 (tax incl.), savings of $200, which is equal to the instant discount + coupon when comparing buying vostro 470 to building a similar custom build yourself via retail prices from ncix.

[canadiankorean]

My wife has Dell Vostro (Core 2 Duo) and it runs very well. No issues. Super quiet.
I would definitely buy a Dell Vostro again

[BobyYoo]

is it worth it to upgrade the gpu card for $50, or can i find a better card elsewhere for about the same price or less.

I planning to buy the base system, without hd or ram upgrade, as i can do this myself for cheaper. I usually do a clean windows install, so i don't care about the hd preconfig.

[kunamvahees]

I would have jumped if there are options to change the CPU.
Can we do it by chatting with a sales rep?

I dont mind i5, but need HD4000 and a 2 Thread per core CPU.

[Sunmax]

You don't need to replace the 500GB hdd. just add another 2TB for $80. Instead of 'upgrading' 500GB more for $100.


I thought if you want to add another HDD, you need to buy a special mounting hardware?

[kunamvahees]

These cases have space for 2 3.5" HDD. if you are mounting 2.5" HDD or SSD, then you need a bracket.
This deal is finished already anyhow.

[BlueMax]

The GT620 is BARELY better than the very good Intel 2500. Please don't bother!

[BobyYoo]

damn was about to pull the trigger, but the deal is dead now

[bowmah]

Who got in on this deal? I bet you can't wait till the unit ships!

[bowmah]

Who has their unit already? Does it rock or not?

[GTT1]

Isn't this a similar setup for $619. or $10.00 more


Wouldn't it be better to build your own like below or get NCIX to build and set up OS for $50.00 more


PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/exIz
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/exIz/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/exIz/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3450 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($196.99 @ Computer Valley)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($114.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Canada Computers)
Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case ($56.03 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: Antec 400W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($38.88 @ Canada Computers)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS70 OEM DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($98.99 @ Computer Valley)
Total: $645.85

Probably could save a bit with different case and mobo

I was thinking of something similar to the above but using an i5 3570k which has hd4000
NCIX has this bundle for $329.99 after rebates only $18.00 more than the above system

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor (
Motherboard: MSI Z77A-G45 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard